AMUSEMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume VIII, Issue 2423, 31 October 1871, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS.

Aftes the recess, tho lovers of the legitimate drama were very glad to welcome back to Auckland the theatrical company of the Prince of "Wales Thratre, and it was, last evening, quite a treat to see Hpon the boards all the old familiar faces of our dramafic friends, who were greeted by a largo and enthusiastic audience; and, as well as those behind the scenes, we were glad to see others in front of the house, who, although they do not stand so prominently before the public, still have a good deal to do with the arrangements of the theatre, —chief among them being the smiling faco of Mr- Mothersill, Sir. Hoskins' indefatigable ageut, to whose busi-

ness tact ar.d constant courtesy a good deal of the harmony and lon accord which always Tule3 in this house is due. And our old friende opened in a good old piece, which has never yet failed to draw a good house. The comedy of " The School for Scandal" has ueen so often played at this theatre that it is unnecessary for us to do more than to say that it wds as successful as ever, Mr. Hoskins (Charles Surface), and Miss Colville (Lady Teazle), being as usual, irreproachable. There were one or two alterations in the cast from the former representations. Mr. Burford sustained the part of Joseph Surface instead of Mr. Ejan as heretofore, Mrs. Walter Hill wa3 Mrs. Candour, and Miss Jessie Raymond Maria. The afterpiece was an amusing farce, entitled, "But, llowerer." — the intracacies and humour of which arise out of a mistate of personages, and this situation always forms excellent materials for a farce. Mr. Hoskins sustained the leading part, and fairly kept the audience in convulsions of laughter. This evening we are to have a capital programme —Mr. EToskine appearing in two of his very best characters. The performance will commence with the celebrated comedy of " The Heir at Law," in which he will sustain his great character of Dr. Pangloss; and conclude with two acts of "The Serious Family," in which, us Aminadab Sleek, Mr. Hoskins stands, we should say, without a- rival in the colonies. Such a bill ought to draw a crowded The "Lancashire Lass" is announced for tomorrow evening. The Ajiebican War. —This diorama wa9 exhibited with great success in Auckland about two years ago. It re-opened last evening, at the City Hail, for a. short season. There was a very large attendance. On former occasions we have given a full cescription of this excellent diorama, and it is unnecessary for us to repeat what we then said. It depicts all the most stirring scenes and battles during the war between the North and South, gives a capital representation of the light between the Kearsage and the Alabama ; and also shows, in a most striking manner, the funeral procession of President Lincoln, which is, alone, well worth the admission money. Xhe hall is hardly so good a place for the exhibition as the theatre, and last evening too much light was turned on from the centre jets, spoiling the effect of some of the scenes. The descriptive lecture was admirably delivered by Mr. Thompson, and was well heard throughout the hall. An improvement is wanted in the orchestra, which appeared to us to be of a very heterogeneous and dubious character. It was, altogether, wanting in the dashing and enlivening music that should have accompanied the lecture. There should have been more "brass" in it, and a kettle-drum and flute would be desirable instead of string and bellows. The lecture and paintings lost half their charms from these defects. We hope there will be an improvement in this respect to-night, when the same entertainment will be repeated.

Wellikgtoic-stebet Catholic Institute. —An entertainment was given last evening in aid of the funds of this institute, and was a complete success. There was a very good attendance, and the programme gone through was a choice and varied one. We have not apace to speak of the entertainment at length, and can only say that where all did so well it would be invidious to particularise. Madame Mohler, Madame Winter, and Mr. Winter sang the songs allotted to them most successfully, and were loudly applauded, as, indeed, were many of the other ladies and gentlemen who had kindly given their services. We ought not to omit to mention the Tery admirable duett by the violin and piano (Mr. Jones and Madame Winter), which wflj splendidly executed and loudly applauded. The Royal Volunteer Band was present, and played a number of selections with great taste. The following ia the programme gone through : — Part I: " Napoleon's Grand March," Boyal Volunteer Band ; eong, " Kathleen Mavourneen," Mr. Winter; song, "Thy Voice is Near," Madame Mohler ; reading, " The Three Sons," Mr. T. M. King ; duett (violin and piano), "II Trovatore," Madame Winter and Mr. Jones; song, j "Death of Stonewell Jackson;" recitation, "The Spanish Champion,"-Air. Gγ. Fraser; song (with pianofore accompaniment)," Erin," Madame Winter; eong, "Kate O'Shane," Miss Shanaghan ; duett, " The Sailor's Sighs," Mr. and Madame Winter. Part II: " The Fjke Galop," Royal Volnnleer Baud; song, "Ihe Murmur of the Shell," lladame Winter; duett, " What are the Wild Waves Sajing ?" Misiies Shauaghan and Chudwick ; solo (piano), Madame Winter; reading, Lady Clara Vere de Vere," Mr. T. M. Xing ; »ong, "The Village Blacksmith " (by desire), Mr- Winter; «ong, " Come Back to Erin," iladame Mohler j duett, "Reconciliation," £**- and Madame Winter; "God Sare the Queen!"